Lake Sevan, known in the ancient times as the Geghama Sea, is the "blue-eyed beauty" of Armenia. Being one of the biggest highland freshwater lakes in the world it is 1900 m above sea level. It was formed as a result of volcanic activity in the Geghama mountain range: the erupted lava blocked the riverbed; and melted ice from ice-houses and river water began to accumulate in the formed hollow. Later the flow of water cut through the reservoir wall in the direction of river Hrazdan.

In 1938, after the adoption of a decision to use the lake water for hydroenergy, irreversible damage was caused to the lake: resulting from the lowering of the level of water its composition and oxygen balance changed, many fish species were irretrievably lost and Sevan Island turned into a peninsula connected with the land by an emerged shoal. Now Sevan Peninsula, with its two 9th century churches adding a romantic touch it, is the best place to admire the beauty of the lake.